A few weeks ago, I was leaving a local antique shop and I spied a little dish full of tiny animals at the check-out counter. Most of them were vintage and not in a style I cared for. But one little figurine stood out – I think it had been included in the dish by mistake. I grabbed it. For $1.00.
It was this little guy. You can see how tiny he is in relation to my egg cups.
Another view.
Ready for his close-up.
He is on the same little set of shelves as my mini wooden ducks.
Why are we so drawn to miniatures? In the last several years I have started collecting tiny putz sheep, miniature pottery, and all things small and dollhouse-y. If I see something tiny, yet wonderfully detailed, I’m drawn to it like a moth to a flame. Tiny little sheep? Yes. Adorable tiny wooden ducks? Of course! Miniature versions of the big-sized pottery I already collect? I cannot resist.
I don’t even have to say anything about the dollhouse. And miniature furniture, plates, rugs, lamps, and books. That particular attraction is obvious to anyone who reads this blog.
I wasn’t always drawn to these delightful tiny things. They cast their spell on me later in life. But I am well and truly hooked.
Do you collect anything tiny?
Can you put into words just why you are drawn to miniatures?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the world of teeny-tiny, wee, little, and mini.
Happy Saturday.
HI Claudia. I also collect teeny tiny items and have now got my husband hooked when we’re out treasure hunting at the thrift store or the antique mall. I have tiny dishes, pottery, bottles, tea sets and figures, in addition to our dollhouse collection. I think small intrigues me as I’m tiny and small just seems easier. Doesn’t take up tons of room yet the impact is large. Thanks for sharing your love of tiny items as well!
And thank you for all your posts recently regarding the progress of your dollhouse and how it is helping you cope with the loss of your mother. As I worked on our dollhouse this week, I thought of you and Don and Scout. Blessings to each of you as you remember her.
I so agree – tiny things don’t take up much room – and in this cottage, space is at a premium.
Though I am tall – not tiny and small – so maybe it’s the allure of something much, much, much smaller than me?
Thank you for your kind words, Chy.
I have been collecting miniatures and dolls houses for over twenty years now and have often asked the same question. I still haven’t worked out why this hobby is so addictive but it at times it has been my saving grace and has kept me “sane” during really difficult times. I find that in my mini houses and I have items and things I don’t have in real life, ie., in my mini houses I always have dogs but in real life we have three cats so a dog is out of the question. It’s a great opportunity to decorate in styles I probably wouldn’t have in my full size house and to experiment with different colours etc., It’s a wonderful hobby and I have enjoyed watching the progress of your house. I’m so glad it has given you some peace during this sad time for you.
It has, Heather. I agree – I feel like I can indulge my dreams with the dollhouse. We don’t have the kind of income that allows us to redecorate all the time, or make major changes. But I can do all that with the dollhouse, easily and inexpensively!
I actually can’t understand why anyone wouldn’t be drawn to miniatures. I remember even when our daughter was learning to read, her favorite books were the tiny ones, little editions of Peter Rabbit, Tasha Tudor stories, etc. etc. So glad you picked up that sweet lamb. Needs a good home. And of course I think your rabbit egg cup is my favorite of the egg cups. :-) Love miniatures. They make it a pain to dust, but then, worth it.
Oh, yes indeed! They are a pain to dust, but I can ignore that particular task indefinitely!
What a sweet little sheep! I have been so drawn to your dollhouse that I bought a dollhouse kit, a small four room cottage. I haven’t done anything with it other than to look at the parts and pick up some paint chips. I have a long way to go!
Oh good for you, Debbie! I’m thrilled for you. Enjoy the process and take your time. I’ve been working on this dollhouse for almost 5 years –
Oh Claudia! The little lamb is so adorable. Does he have a name yet?
I have been a collector of all things small for many years. I have always wanted a dollhouse, but never dreamed I would one day actually have one. So I vicariously had a dollhouse through my collection of small things. I have an old printers box that I display some of the small things. Wall space is at a premium in most of the house so this display in in the bathroom. I have shelves, and shelves with display of my smallish things.
Isn’t the hunt for our small treasure the most fun ever?
No name yet, Trudy. I used to have an old printers drawer and I don’t know what the heck happened to it! It would be perfect.
Yes, it is absolutely the most fun!
I think most women love tiny versions of just about anything. Maybe it’s hard-wired into females to love anything small. Maybe just because itty things are so darned cute. My mom collected little crystal objects, most of them from jewelry stores but none terribly expensive. Over the years she bought or received dozens, everything from animals to teacups to a tiny crystal oyster, open with a pearl tucked inside. Each of her 6 children now has a portion of her collection.
So lovely that all you can share your mom’s collection, Janet.
For several years now I’ve kept various odds and ends of smalll and tiny things in a pint size mason jar. A teeny tiny comb from childhood that came with a little doll I got for Christmas one year. A tiny sand dollar, smaller than a quarter, I found on the beach in Coos Bay, Oregon. Two very small cars that were childhood toys of my dad. Too many things to list and no rhyme or reason for any of them … except they’re tiny and I seem to adore them!
Exactly. There doesn’t have to be any rhyme or reason. It’s just fun to have them!
Of course you had to have that tiny lamb! In answer to your question do I collect any tiny things? Do I really need to answer that :-)
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
No, you don’t! I know you love tiny things.
Question 1: Yep!
Question 2: Nope!
I’m especially drawn to very detailed and or beautifully proportioned miniatures.
I have metal, plastic ceramic & wood miniatures.
I have tiny turned pottery.
I think I need to scale down! (Har! I crack myself up!) :)
You’re cracking me up, too!
Oh, good! :) It’s fun to think I’m funny, but when someone else thinks so, too, there’s a chance I may not end up weaving teeny tiny baskets. Wait! That sounds like fun! :P
Weaving teeny tiny baskets sounds like fun!
Oh, Claudia!
If only you lived closer…I could share my miniatures and collections with you in person!
My SIL just visited and made a few remarks and even her facial expressions made me wonder if I have taken my collecting too far. But I love it all!
I am just finishing a miniature ‘Acorn Wood Cottage’, and having much fun creating my version. I will post it on my blog once completed. It’s always fun to share with friends who love tiny things, too!
I have an old barbers case on my kitchen counter filled with smalls and miniatures I have collected over the years. I love to sit here and smile! Mini hugs, Lee
Acorn Wood Cottage sounds delightful, Lee. And I know I would be fascinated by the contents of your barber’s case!
I don’t know of anyone around here who is into miniatures and dollhouses. Wish I did!
Hi Claudia-
I guess you can say I collect ‘tiny’ houses. I just bought my second doll house today! I spotted it on Craig’s List Thursday night…and couldn’t get it out of my head. Honey told me to call yesterday after the lady didn’t respond to my email and we drove out this morning 2 hours! to Ft. Worth to pick it up. I’m so excited. BEYOND THRILLED. It is a whopper of a house, too; and of course a fixer upper. :)
I’ve wanted a doll house for a handful of years–since my kids are all grown and moved out, I guess. Now I have 2.
I’ll be posting about it soon.
Pat
Congratulations! Funny, just lately I have been thinking about my next dollhouse and I have an idea for it. I’ve been checking Craig’s List every day – but it might take a while. Can’t wait to see your new find, Pat!
Love the new (old) lamb..I would have been rummaging through that dish too..I think I mentioned to you before about my fairy garden..I will be doing a gnome garden this year also and have been gathering tiny items to go in it..And now I finally have a dollhouse!!..I suppose that if one theorized about it..maybe it’s because we live in a great big world that we really don’t have a lot of control over..miniatures could be a way for us to have a tiny little world of our own over which we have total control over..bad things don’t happen there..tiny people don’t die there..we don’t pay bills there..everybody is nice there..Wow..Now I realize why we all would like to live in Mockingbird Cottage..lol..OR..Maybe it’s just because it is so much fun..Sorry..I studied Psychology in college and sometimes it sneaks back into my head and makes me think too much..I think I need to lie down now..lol
No, I’ve thought much the same thing, Nancy. We have control in our miniature worlds – they are all happiness, no sadness. The perfect escape from the sometimes harsh realities of the real world.
I’m so glad you agree Claudia..which is probably why you got such comfort working on yours after your Mom passed..I look forward to having mine to occupy my mind when times are tough..
Yes, I think you’re right. It’s a wonderful respite from the grief.
I collect ironstone butter pats and miniature (individual) ironstone restaurant-ware creamers (I only have 3 of these so far.)
I love butter pats and creamers, Laura. I can see why you’re drawn to them. It will be such fun to hunt for more creamers!
I have a thing for little things also. Just tiny and sweet. My little individual creamers are small and I have a collection of small cups….espresso cups, and now I’m being drawn to miniatures after seeing all the posts on your doll house! The sheep is adorable.
hugs, LInda
I think tiny is wonderful. Also, many of us are pressed for more space to display our collections, so miniature anything makes sense, doesn’t it?
I wouldn’t be able to pass that little sweetie either! I don’t know why I am so attracted to them…they are just precious…
They are!
Oh I do love wee little things. My sister bought me a doll house kit when I was expecting my 3rd child. It HAD to be a girl since we had 2 sons already. Well it was another beautiful son. So I made the doll house into Santa’s house. What fun. I electrified it too. It is so pretty with all the Christmas lights on the outside and on the Christmas tree. The elves live in the attic-did that in 1/2″ scale, They have a toy work room, Mrs. Claus has a delighful kitchen filled with goodies. The whole house is in Christmas colors. Made a lot of it myself.
I love your sweet little lamb but I am in fear for him…the look on Mr. Egg’s face as well as Mr. Pigs!!! I think he needs to skidaddle out of there before he ends up on Mr. Pig’s dinner table!
Hugs,
Debbie
It sounds wonderful, Debbie! What a fun thing to do with your dollhouse!
I love tiny cute collectibles. Since I am petite it is no wonder. I think that they are adorable and unique and they give me pleasure.
Well, I am tall and I love them too! xo
My second childhood is way more fun than the first, and it has lasted for a whole lot longer and the end isn’t in sight yet!! I believe I was born loving miniatures but couldn’t indulge in the “childish” pursuit of dollhouses till I was 19 and financial. Love your wee lamb, he found his loving forever home with you.
Second childhoods are a delight!